Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP) member Grace Smith is working with the Mother Lode Chapter of the Sierra Club and with Sierra Nevada Alliance as the Education and Outreach Assistant. Grace works with the Sierra Club to increase engagement with existing members in environmental issues relevant to the Sierra Nevada, as well as assisting on regional committees and with local events. In her time with the Alliance, she helps with community engagement and outreach.

On July 22, 2023, Grace helped the Sierra Club host an education event at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC). The event provided both organizations with the opportunity to share what they do and the animals that LTWC works with. Attendees were given the chance to meet some of LTWC’s ambassador animals, including Porky the Porcupine.

The event helped raise awareness about the efforts of the Mother Lode Chapter of the Sierra Club and Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care while connecting the public with current wildlife happenings in the Tahoe area. Grace’s efforts brought in nearly a full house of all ages. Great curiosity, wonder, and knowledge were shared among participants and presenters.

The Sierra Club and Sierra Nevada Alliance believe that people must learn about their environment in order to feel the need to protect it. Grace’s work at this event gave the Tahoe community an opportunity to connect with the wildlife in their area and a chance to engage with each other to build collective action for good. Both organizations believe protecting the Sierra Nevada region is essential in order to increase biodiversity, allowing all species to thrive and survive in a changing climate.

Grace has also helped with the Alliance’s Lake Tahoe Ambassador program by attending and facilitating trainings with the Ambassadors all Summer.